2012 GMC Terrain Standout in Fuel Efficiency in SUV Class
For many sport utility vehicle owners, “midsize” is the right size. The best SUVS in this popular midsize class are big enough on the inside to fit five people and their belongings, yet small enough on the outside to slip into a parking space without a shoehorn. Terrain is GMC’S entry in this competitive segment. A cousin to the Chevy Equinox, GMC’S midsize SUV is available in four trims: SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT-1 and SLT-2. Front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models are offered, with prices starting at $25,480. My test Terrain was a 2012 V-6, AWD equipped model with the top-line, SLT-2 trim and a delivered price of $38,015.
The 2012 GMC Terrain makes sense for many buyers due to its flexible floor plan. Though the Terrain is GMC’S smallest vehicle, it’s not in fact small. Terrain seats adultsized people comfortably in front and back rows while holding a generous amount of cargo.
The key element in the Terrain’s versatility is the “Multiflex” rear seat. The second row seating has nearly 8 inches of travel, fore or aft, and splits 60/40 to make a mostly (but not completely) flat load floor.
It’s easy to configure Terrain to accommodate many combinations of passengers and parcels. Cargo capacity ranges from 31.6 to 63.9 cubic feet. Access to the back is by means of a one-piece, top-hinged liftgate. A low liftover height makes for fast loading and unloading, and a power option for that liftgate lets the driver open the hatch via the key fob button — convenient, when you’ve got your hands full.
Up in the front row, the 2012 edition of the Terrain adds new features to the roster of standard equipment. The updated sound system includes an AM/FM/XM/ CD head unit with USB connectivity and MP3 capability. The 7-inch color touch screen also provides the display for the rearview camera. A mid-season addition to the option list will be Intellilink. Using Bluetooth and USB input, the system allows use of a smartphone via voice activation and steering wheel-mounted controls. You can also stream audio directly from that phone through aftermarket services like Pandora or Stitcher.
Terrain’s interior is long on small storage spots and short on soft touch materials, especially on the dash. The upgraded cloth upholstery on SLE-2 trim models and leather seating on SLT models bring an upscale touch to the cabin. The main instrument panel is an easy read. Center stack controls are many, and selecting the desired function from the myriad of buttons can be distracting for the driver.
Terrain buyers choose from a four- or six-cylinder engine each of which is linked to a unique six-speed automatic transmission. The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder is now Flexfuel capable — able to run on E85 and gasoline. The four-cylinder with Direct Injection generates 182 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque. Estimated fuel economy is 22/32 mpg (FWD) and 20/29 mpg (AWD) with maximum towing capacity listed at 1,500 pounds.
The 2.4L performs well in around town driving. It’s only in demand situations, such as passing or on-ramp merges that you’ll feel the tradeoff for the motor’s solid highway mileage. Visibility for the driver is generally good, though the roofline creates some rear blind spots. Along with Chevy’s Equinox, Terrain is the first GM vehicle to employ active noise cancellation technology on its four-cylinder models. It uses microphones to detect booming sounds inside, and sends counteracting sound waves through the audio system speakers.
The 3.0-liter V-6 is rated at 264 horsepower and 222 lb.-ft. of torque. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 17/24 mpg (FWD), 16/23 mpg (AWD). The six-cylinder feels responsive at all speeds, has no passing anxiety and is rated to tow as much as 3,500 pounds.
The available all-wheel-drive system is a full-time, ondemand type. Engine torque is channeled from front to back wheels as needed to maintain traction. An electronic stability control system with traction control, rollover mitigation and trailer sway control is standard on all 2012 Terrain models.
The 2012 model year brings new safety-related options. Lane departure warning and forward collision alert are available on top-line, SLT-2 models with the V-6.
Parked slightly upstream from Chevy’s Equinox, the GMC Terrain packs a lot of capability into its midsize form. Versatile, functional and comfortable, it’s a strong option in a popular, competitive SUV segment. — Dan Lyons, Motor Matters
Manufacturer photo: The Terrain’s segment-leading fuel efficiency appeals to buyers who want the SUV efficient package. Terrain’s four-cylinder engine achieves segment-best highway fuel economy of 32 mpg for FWD models.
The 2012 Terrain uses a single camera mounted in the windshield to help drivers avoid front-end and lane departure crashes. The system uses audible warnings and a highmounted visual display to warn the driver if they’re following another vehicle too closely.